Having a newborn can be stressful. Most people have lots of questions about all the things that need to be done. When you have questions about caring for your newborn, you can count on our team of pediatricians Dr. Hasell, Dr. Pham, Dr. Hernandez, Dr. Andrew Gellady, Chris Pope, APRN, and Amanda Tortorice, APRN at The Pediatric Specialists Medical Group for answers.

Feeding

Feeding is one of the main areas where many parents have questions. First make sure that all sanitary requirements are taken care of. Wash your hands, and make sure all things that touch the baby are as germ-free as possible. When you are bottle feeding, you know how much your baby is eating. With breastfeeding, there is more uncertainty. Look for signs your newborn is swallowing during breastfeeding. If your baby is content after feeding, having frequent wet and dirty diapers, and gaining weight, you can be confident that your baby is eating enough.

Is Spitting Up Normal?

It is not uncommon for newborns to spit up breast milk/formula shortly after finishing feeding or after a burp. As long as your baby is still gaining weight and not showing signs of significant discomfort, this is not a cause for concern.

How to Care for the Umbilical Cord

This is probably one of the scariest yet benign things about newborn care. The cord will dry up and fall off somewhere between one and three weeks. In the meantime, keep the area dry and clean. During this time, sponge bathing is the best option for your newborn. Keep an eye on the cord, let it get some fresh air, and make sure you wash your hands before touching it.

How to Sooth Your Baby

Babies crying is normal. Some seem to cry more than others and this can be worrisome for parents, especially for first-time parents. If the baby is fed, has a clean diaper, has burped, and is still fussing, you may want to consider swaddling.  Babies do not need total silence, as a matter of fact, music and other sounds can be very soothing.

How to Safely Diaper a Baby

Have everything handy within easy reach and wipe carefully front to back. Treat diaper rash if any has appeared and make sure to wash your hands after a diaper change.

Contact Our Pediatricians Near You Today

To make an appointment or to get answers to the newborn care questions you have from our expert providers, Dr. Hasell, Dr. Pham, Dr. Hernandez, Dr. Andrew Gellady, Chris Pope, APRN, and Amanda Tortorice, APRN in New Port Richey, FL, give our office at The Pediatric Specialists Medical Group a call at (727) 375-5437 today.